Man Arrested in Connection With Northern Colorado Fire

Authorities on Sept. 10 arrested a 49-year-old man in connection with the 9,668-acre Alexander Fire that burned west of Loveland this summer, the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office reported Sept. 11.

Jason Alexander Hobby of Loveland was arrested for investigation of first-degree arson, two counts of impersonating a peace officer, false imprisonment, impersonating a public servant and menacing-aggravated assault with a weapon.

Hobby was issued a $250,000 cash/property/surety bond by the Larimer County Court.

Investigators found evidence that before and during the Alexander Mountain Fire, the suspect represented himself as a law enforcement official and certified firefighter despite having no formal law or fire credentials, according to the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office.

Hobby was employed and living at Sylvan Dale Ranch when the fire started on July 29 after escaping a fire ring near Drake. Sheriff John Feyen reported that Hobby has since been fired.

Feyen said investigators do not know if the fire was intentional or accidental but that Hobby did go to the scene after it started.

He likely accessed the scene by impersonating a firefighter. Feyen said Hobby drove a Ford truck that appeared to be a wildland firefighting vehicle with firefighting gear and marked with the words Twin Buttes Fire Protection out of Wyoming. There is no such registered organization.

The charges of impersonating a public servant and false imprisonment stem from incidents that occurred before the fire. Hobby reportedly falsely told individuals they were trespassing and pointed a firearm at them. The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office suspects additional attempts to pull people over or other confrontations may have happened and asks residents to report any such interactions.

People who want to remain anonymous may also contact Crime Stoppers of Larimer County at 970-221-6868 or www.stopcriminals.org.

The fire destroyed 26 homes and 21 outbuildings during its nearly three-week duration. More than 5,000 people were evacuated, and no injuries were reported.

The US Forest Service, which took command of the fire, reported 100% containment on Aug. 17.

The Community Foundation of Northern Colorado established the Northern Colorado Disaster Recovery Fund to assist with fire recovery.

The federal investigation is continuing.

Hobby is the only suspect.

The list below of the largest fires will now include the Alexander Mountain Fire.